Statement of Guiding Principles

The Lake Cowichan Bear Aware Association believes that through awareness and collaborative efforts, we can work towards preventing the continued practice of killing of bears of Lake Cowichan due to human/bear conflict. Our objective is to create tolerance and respect for the bear’s right to a safe and peaceful existence within our community. 

Community Education is critical to achieve our goals

Community education about bears improves public safety, reduces property damage, and promotes a healthier co-existence between humans and bears by increasing awareness of bear behavior and safe practices.

1. Enhanced Public Safety:

• Understanding Bear Behavior:

  Education helps people understand natural bear behavior, including their foraging habits, territoriality, and reactions to human presence. This knowledge allows individuals to make informed decisions about their activities in bear country and reduce the risk of unwanted encounters. 

• Safe Practices:

  Education programs teach people how to store food properly, manage garbage, and secure campsites to prevent attracting bears. This includes information on bear-resistant containers, proper disposal methods, and keeping food out of reach of bears. 

• Bear Spray Training:

  Community education often includes training on the proper use of bear spray, a crucial tool for deterring bears in potentially dangerous situations.  We partner with WildSafe to provide courses for the community on how to use bear spray safely and effectively.

2. Reduced Property Damage:

• Attractant Management:

  By understanding what attracts bears (food, garbage, etc.), communities can take proactive steps to eliminate or minimize these attractants, reducing the likelihood of bears entering residential areas or damaging property.

• Bear-Resistant Structures:

  Education can also promote the use of bear-resistant garbage cans, fences, and other structures that help deter bears from accessing property. 

3. Promoting a Healthy Ecosystem:

• Understanding Bear Ecology:

  Education fosters a greater appreciation for bears and their role in the ecosystem. This can lead to a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and bears, allowing both to thrive in the same environment. 

• Reducing Conflicts:

  By addressing the root causes of human-bear conflicts, education helps to reduce the number of bears that need to be destroyed due to safety concerns or property damage. 

• Supporting Conservation Efforts:

  A well-informed community is more likely to support conservation efforts aimed at protecting bear populations and their habitats.